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A ‘touchstone’ is a measure of quality and value. Touchstone Energy was selected as the most effective 

name for communicating the unique characteristics that convey the special nature of cooperatives by the Touchstone Energy® brand back in 1998.

West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) has been a proud member of the Touchstone Energy® brand since 1999, and we’re not alone. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives represent a network of more than 730 co-ops serving members, all committed to improving the quality of life for families and businesses in the communities. But what does it mean to be a member?

Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives like WFEC better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy® cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to over 32 million members every day. Co-ops who join the Touchstone Energy® brand have access to a wealth of educational and training tools, member benefit programs and more for use in the local communities.

Being a part of the Touchstone Energy® family means that WFEC is dedicated to serving members with accountability, integrity, innovation, and commitment to community—core values all Touchstone Energy Cooperatives share. WFEC demonstrates accountability and integrity by striving to do what is best for all members, not a particular subset or group. In fact, as a cooperative, WFEC is run by a board of trustees elected democratically by you, the members. Each board member represents your voice when making policy decisions. Being fiscally responsible is another way the cooperative shows accountability and integrity to its members. The goal is to provide members with electricity at a price that is as close to cost as possible. 

As part of Touchstone Energy®, our co-op can access innovative solutions and state-of-the-art technology to better serve members and meet their needs including cutting-edge programs promoting energy efficiency, and numerous member-benefit programs. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives also helps local co-ops and business members forge stronger partnerships through a national site selection website, educational events, web conferences and ongoing communications.

Across the country, local Touchstone Energy® co-ops work to improve its members’ quality of life by investing time, money and expertise to better local communities and strengthen relationships with member-owners. That includes taking a leadership role in community and economic development projects, educating students about safety and environment, as well as generously donating time, energy and resources to charities, schools and community events.

As part of the Touchstone Energy® family, West Florida Electric Cooperative strives to remain a ‘touchstone’ and maintain these values and characteristics.